Srinagar, Jan 07: Minister for Forest, Environment and Ecology Javed Ahmed Rana on Wednesday called for completing all ongoing works of the Territorial Forest Department in Kashmir Division, as the department has achieved 53 per cent progress under the Special Assistance to States for Capital Investment (SASCI) projects. With 60,000 quintals of firewood supplied and 2 lakh CFT of timber delivered, Rana directed the timely completion of key initiatives.
The minister further directed that all pending projects, including afforestation drives, eco-parks and forest huts, must be completed by March 2026.
Rana chaired a review meeting of senior officers, focusing on key operational, developmental and service delivery aspects such as firewood distribution, afforestation and plantation activities, timber supply under the Kashmir Notice Timber framework, SASCI project implementation, eco-park and forest hut development, timber marking and achievement of physical and financial targets.
Officials informed Rana that the department has achieved 53 per cent physical progress under the SASCI projects. The remaining works, along with other ongoing initiatives, are on track for completion by March 2026, they said.
Regarding essential public services, the minister was informed that against the 80,000 quintal firewood target, nearly 60,000 quintals have already been provisioned across the division, with the remaining supply expected by March to ensure adequate winter availability.
Officials added that under the Kashmir Notice Timber mechanism, 2 lakh CFT timber has been supplied to 2,274 beneficiaries, while both the North and South Forest Circles have completed timber marking of 5 lakh CFT each, totalling 10 lakh CFT to be extracted by the Jammu and Kashmir Forest Development Corporation (JKFDC).
Rana expressed satisfaction over the progress achieved so far but issued clear directions to expedite all works, strictly adhere to timelines and maintain transparent, smooth and efficient functioning of the department, an official said.
The minister stressed that firewood supply should be demand-driven and urged officers to remain responsive to public needs, ensuring the timely delivery of essential forest-related services during the harsh winter months, he added.
The minister further reviewed progress on afforestation and plantation drives, eco-park development and forest hut construction, highlighting the integration of these initiatives with livelihood generation and eco-tourism promotion.
The meeting was attended by Irfan Rasool Wani, Chief Conservator of Forests, Kashmir; Irfan Shah, Conservator of Forests (North Circle); Dr Nadeem, Conservator of Forests (South Circle); and other senior department officials—(KNO)
